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ill 

$B    251    fibt, 


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FAGOTS 


LILLIAN  F.  LEWIS 


BOSTON 

THE  GORHAM  PRESS 

MCMXVIII 


Copyright,  191S,  by  Lillian  F.  L«wit 


All  Riirhts  R«BerT«d 


MADE  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA 


Thb  Gorham  PRBBi,  Boston,  ¥.  S.  A. 


FOREWORD 

A  bundle  of  fagots  here, 
To  offer  you  fireside  cheer: 
Mere  twigs,  it  is  true,  but  still 
They'll  blaze,  if  it  be  your  will; — 
No  brilliant,  enduring  flame 
Nor  heat  of  renown  they  claim ; 
Theirs  only  the  modest  part 
To  warm  for  awhile  the  heart. 

Pictures  in  the  fire  suggest  memories  of  sunshine 
and  shadows,  flowers  and  snows,  fancies  of  child- 
hood and  reveries  of  age,  irrespective  of  times  and 
seasons, — even  as  fagots,  gathered  from  different 
brush,  are  imbued  with  sap  from  trees  of  differing 
nature ;  hence  the  variety  of  sentiment  offered  in  this 
bundle  of  verse. 


470155 


CONTENTS 

Page 

Foreword    3 

Fireside  Visions   1 1 

The  Gleam   12 

Petition    12 

Life's  Lyric  13 

The  Silent  Call 14 

Child  of  the  Covenant 14 

Assurement    15 

Life's  Contrasts 16 

Trust    16 

The  Carol  of  Trust 17 

The  Psalmody  of  Cheer 18 

Yet   19 

Chain   Reverie    19 

Twilight 20 

Happiness    21 

A  Song  of  Degrees 22 

The  Vast  Profound    23 

Baby 23 

The  Slumber  Sprite 24 

Companioned 25 

Thoughts   26 

Day  Dreams 26 

The  Future 27 

The  Avowal   27 

Love's  Cameo   28 

Personality 29 

My  Sky  29 

5 


Contents 


Page 

Their  World 30 

In  Love's  Domain 30 

Insight    31 

The  Triad 31 

Law  and  Love 32 

Destination 32 

Influence 33 

Ought    34 

Why  Not  I? 35 

Over   Us    35 

A  Challenge    36 

Veiled    36 

Birthday  Anniversary 37 

Fault   37 

The  Longtime  Ago 38 

Within 38 

Sings  the  Rain 39 

Joy-Time    39 

A  Roundel 40 

Lily-of-the-Valley  40 

Behold 41 

Beyond  Words    42 

Sundered   42 

The  Glory  of  the  Rose 43 

You 43 

June   44 

Query    45 

Forget'Me-Not    45 

A  Conceit 46 

Autumn    46 

A  Lesson  Lilt 47 


Contents 


Page 

Time's  Advance 48 

Fagots   49 

The  Ingle 50 

Snow-Flakes 51 

Winter  Fairies  52 

Providence   52 

The  Ever  Presence 53 

Our  Sufficiency   54 

With  the  Years 54 

Loss 55 

Solace 56 

Easter  Sonnet   56 

After  Calvary — Victory   57 

The  Sudden  Storm 58 

Pride    59 

Camouflage    59 

The  Honor  Call 60 

Immortalized    61 

The  Master  Poet's  Pen 62 

Aspiration   62 

The  Stars  and  Stripes 63 

Co-operation   '  . . . .  64 

Triolet   64 


FAGOTS 


FIRESIDE  VISIONS 

If  found  thy  comrade  dreams  are  fair  arc  sweet, 
Tho'  vagrom  guests,  accord  them  welcome  meet 
As  envoys  bearing  thee  a  largess  good 
Of  musings  fain  to  hold  the  idle  hour; 
Invite  the  spell  of  their  beguiling  power, 
And  bid  thy  meditation  share  their  mood. 

The  lure  of  pleasing  fancies  they  unfold, 

The  wand  by  which  transform  they  dross  to  gold, 

The  art  they  boast  to  charm  away  despair, 

Be  passports  these  chance  visitants  present 

Which  speak  them  no  intruders  to  resent, 

Of  whom  it  were  the  wiser  to  beware ! 

Companioned   thus,   thy   leisure   feels   no   need. 
There  follows  truce  to  worldly  grind  and  greed 
And  life  is  over-arched  with  rainbow  hues; 
Like  angels'  visits  which  in  silence  bless, 
These  fleeting  seasons  they  thy  hearth  possess; 
Then  act  the  host!  their  gifts  do  not  refuse. 


II 


1 2  Fagots 

THE  GLEAM 

After  it,  follow  it,  follow  the  Gleam. — TenKYSON 

The  Gleam,  or  either  faint  or  clear  it  be, 
That  points  the  path  to  dimmer  visioned  height, 
Leads  on  and  on,  once  we,  intent  to  see, 
Discern  and  follow  its  benignant  light. 

Its  beacon  call  to  near  then  farther  goal. 
The  meed  of  promised  gain  along  its  way. 
Invite  the  unappeased,  aspiring  soul 
To  trust  and  heed  the  guidings  of  its  ray. 

Then  after  it !  pursue  where  it  insists, 
The  Gleam  that  fares  from  better  unto  best; 
That  shines  to  dissipate  life's  clouding  mists; 
That  glorifies  the  milestones  by  its  quest. 

PETITION 

Set  mine  heart  to  seek  the  highway, 
Set  up  waymarks  for  my  feet. 
Lest  I  stumble,  lest  I  falter. 
Lest  I  fail  Thy  tests  to  meet. 


Fagots  13 


LIFE'S  LYRIC 

The  faith  that  clings  and  sings, 
That  wafts  the  soul  on  wings 

The  heights  along, — 
This  is  the  faith  for  thee,  for  me, 
This  is  the  trust,  so  fine,  so  free, 

That  makes  life  strong. 

The  hope  that  strives  and  thrives 
Where  else  were  barren  lives, 

Despair,  or  fears, — 
This  is  the  hope  for  thee,  for  me, 
This   is  the   cheer,   so   fair  so   free, 

That  suns  the  years. 

The  love  that  bears  and  shares, 
That  never  service  spares 

In  walk  below. 
This  is  the  love  for  thee,  for  me, 
This  is  the  bond,  so  firm,  so  free. 

That  hearts  may  know. 


14  Fagots 


THE  SILENT  CALL 

As  the  eventide  welcomes  the  glory 

Of  the  heavens  with  star-worlds  ashine, 

As  the  mid-night  makes  call  to  the  morning, 
So  the  human  would  hail  the  divine. 

As  the  hart  for  the  water  brooks  panteth, 
As  the  honey  bee  haunteth  the  flower, 

So  the  soul  hath  its  thirst  and  its  yearning 
For  the  Spirit's  infilling  of  power. 


CHILD  OF  THE  COVENANT 

0  child  of  my  grace,  I  am  with  thee,  believe, 

Nor  ever  will  leave  thee; 

1  watch  thee,  and  love  thy  love  to  receive; 

It  grieves  me  to  grieve  thee; 
I  care  for  thy  care ;  I  joy  in  thy  joy, 
And  ask  for  thy  task,  life's  highest  employ. 

My  will  be  thy  will, 

My  fulness,  thy  fill. 


Fagots  15 

ASSUREMENT 

At  evening  time  it  shall  be  light. — Zech.  14:7. 
There  shall  be  no  night  there, — Rev.  21 :25 

When  over  me  darkness  foldeth 

Some  fabric  despair  hath  spun, 
Or  happen  my  evening  holdeth 

No  hope  of  the  morrow's  sun, — 
Oh  Lord  in  thy  heaven  heeding, 

Oh   Christ  in  thy  love,   I   pray, 
Vouchsafe    for   my   spirit's   leading 

A  glimpse  of  Eternal  Day. 

Ah  then,  though  that  hour  of  gloaming 

Deny  me  its  break  of  morn — 
Assured  of  the  cloudless  doming 

Where  death  unto  Life  is  born, 
I'll  know  in  thy  presence  waking  ^ 

Thy  likeness  henceforth  to  share. 
All  shadows  of  earth  forsaking, 

No  night  shall  await  me  there. 


1 6  Fagots 

LIFE'S   CONTRASTS 

Nor  world's  caress,  nor  man's  distress 

Is  his  to  stay; 
An  unhazed  blue,  or  sombre  hue 

May  sky  display, — 
Then  ebon  night,  or  starry  light, 

At  shut  of  day. 
Its  smiles,  its  frowns,  its  "ups  and  downs," 

Or  work,  or  play; 
Both  joys  and  cares,  here  helps,  there  snares, 

Fair  blooms,  decay ; 
Now  hopes,  now  fears,  now  songs,  now  tears, 

Make  grave  or  gay. 
Though  weal,  or  woe,  its  hours  bestow 

Yet  souls  can  pray, — 
"When  ends  earth's  strife,  from  death  to  life 

Lead,    Lord,   the   way." 


TRUST 

So  superfine, —  so  rich  a  thing  is  trust, 

It  flecks  with  gold  the  dunes  and  common  dust. 


Fagots  17 

THE  CAROL  OF  TRUST 

Bird  of  passage,  here  sojourning 

From  thy  haunts  of  Far-away, 
Welcome  be  thy  glad  returning, 

Hail  to  thine  inspiring  lay: 
Poised  on  swaying  branch  for  perch, 
Fearing  not  its  fitful  lurch — 

Lo,  a  message  thou  dost  bear. 

Orator  of  sky  and  air! 

Lyrist,  born  to  free  communion 

Where  celestial  space  and  speech, 
Heaven's   thought   and   nature's  instinct 

Form  the  creed  thy  carols  teach: 
Here  and  yonder  on  the  wing, 
Brave  to  soar  and  blithe  to  sing, — 

Thou  art  pledged  the  Father's  care 

Every-whither,  every  where. 

Plumaged  pilgrim,  cheery  ever 

Whether  flitting  or  a-nest, 
What  thy  shelter,  what  the  weather. 

Thou  dost  witness,  Trust  is  best. 
He  who  notes  the  sparrow's  fall. 
Of  His  creatures,  great  and  small, 

Claimcth  confidence  and  praise — 

As  so  simply  speak  thy  days! 


1 8  Fagots 

THE  PSALMODY  OF  CHEER 

Sing  who  will  in  joy  and  pleasure, 

Let  me  sing  in  pain ; 
Praise  who  will  the  stars  and  sunshine, 

Let   me   praise   the   rain. 

Clouds  may  bear  a  better  blessing 

Than  the  sapphire  day; 
Easy  runs  the  chant  of  gladness 

Where  the  smiling  way! 

Let  me  hymn  of  hope  and  courage 

When  there  wells  the  tear, 
When  some  burdened  soul  is  needing 
Psalmody  of  cheer. 


Fagots  19 


YET 


Tho'  sullen  clouds  encircle  low, 
Yet,  unforlorn,  I  fear  no  woe: 
The  way  tho'  lone,  the  day  tho'  long, 
Mine  inner  life  hath  yet  its  song. 

Upon  the  hearth  but  embers  show 
Where  leapt  the  flame's  alluring  glow, 
Yet  naught  of  gloom  to  me  they  bring — 
So   bright  the  past  of  which   they  sing. 


CHAIN  REVERIE 

Out  of  the  silence  come  voices. 
Voices  tenderly  low; 

Low  as  the  murmur  of  sea  shells, 
Shells  that  tide-secrets  know; 

Know  as  the  soul  kens  its  cloister- 
Cloister  brightened  by  song, 

Song  that  accompanies  visions, 
Visions  lost  in  the  throng. 


20  Fagots 

TWILIGHT 

Across  the  narrows  filmed  by  ebbing  light, 

A  drawbridge  dusken  hands  have  outward  swung 

Now  spans  the  gloaming-tide  twixt  day  and  night. 

Enchanted  seem  its  glimmering  path  and  arch. 

All  softly  lit  by  waning  lanterns  hung 

On  either  side  where  moments  line  in  march. 

Soon  memory's  drifting  gondolas  draw  near, 
And  gondoliers  give  seranade  of  song 
That  stirs  the  heart  and  charms  the  inner  car ; 
We  breathe  afresh  the  scent  of  cherished  rose 
That  pleasured  us  so  dearly  and  so  long, 
And  falls  upon  the  soul  a  sweet  repose. 

Becomes  so  hushed  the  languid,  amorous  air, 
We  scarcely  sense  the  mundane  tire  and  stress 
Of  busy  hours  that  plied  their  trade  of  care, 
Nor  deem  it  strange  that  twilight  weaves  a  spell 
For  trysting  vows,  and  innocent  caress, 
And  secret  cravings  not  for  us  to  tell! 


Fagots  2i 

HAPPINESS 

Too  taut  the  tension  under  test  supreme, 

A  hcartstring  snapped ;  no  longer  might  I  play 

The  chords  of  joy's  content ;  yet  when  came  dream 

Its  place  to  fill,  I  went  each  likely  way 

In  quest  of  substitute  by  world  supplied; 

But  found  not  one  of  all  the  varied  marts, 

Not  one  of  all  the  pleasure-counters  tried, 

Could  furnish  what  again  would  sound  those  parts. 

To  self-forgetting  service  later  led. 
Unsought  was  met  the  want  desired  so  long; 
Now  this, —  a  golden  string  in  other's  stead- 
Gave  richer,  fuller  tone  to  purer  song, 
And  well  I  knew  must  hold  for  me  far  more 
Than  any  melody  had  meant  before. 


22  Fagots 

A  SONG  OF  DEGREES 

To  be  alive,  with  mind  alert, 

With  soul  a-stir 
Amid  the  moil,  and  medley  din 

Of  traffic's  whir; 
To  grow  in  health  and  hardihood—- 

Ah,  that  is  good. 

To  feel  the  press,  to  know  the  thrill 

Of  inner  urge 
That  bears  the  tides  of  life  along 

In  forward  surge. 
And  steers  or  speeds  some  mate  ashore, 

Is  better,  more. 

To  sympathize  with  all  distress, 

To  grieve  for  wrong; 
Reverse  some  strain  of  discontent 

To  joyous  song; 
The  heart  of  things,  a  goal,  a  quest,- 

That,  that  is  best. 


Fagots  23 


THE  VAST  PROFOUND 

For  all  your  surge,  loud  dash  and  thundery  tone, 
You  hold  deep  silences  beneath  your  moan, 
You  bosom  countless  secrets  long  your  own 
And  age-old  mysteries  to  man  unknown. 

Although  your  speech  of  variant  mood  and  strain 
Seem  never  wholly  hushed,  nor  else  than  plain, 
Yet  who  can  understand  your  voice  of  pain — 
So  true  your  tides,  so  vast  your  proud  domain. 

BABY 

Wee  little  monarch. 
Crowned  from  above, 
Ruling  already 
Thy   kingdom   of   love, — 

New  little  stranger. 
Helpless  but  here. 
Eager  our  welcome 
Dependent  most  dear! 


24  Fagots 

THE  SLUMBER  SPRITE 

Moving  to  music  of  lullaby  song, 

Airily,  fairily  tripping  along, 

Dream-realm's  enchantress,  in  raiment  of  white, 

Cometh  to  wish  thee  and  kiss  thee  good-night. 

List  to  her  footfall, — belike  she'll  appear 

Bearing  the  blessing  of  sleep  for  thy  cheer, 

"Over  the  window  of  each  open  eye, 
Cover  its  curtaining  lid,"  she  will  cry; 
"Fear  not  the  shadows  that  creep  on  thy  sight, 
Bending  to  guard  thee  are  angels  of  light." 
Closer  approacheth  her  small  sandaled  feet, — 
Bright  Eyes,  thy  winkers  are  almost  asleep! 

Hush-a-by  hour  is  now  chiming  for  thee, — 

That  is  the  reason  soft  steppings  there  be. 

That  is  the  reason  a  voice  sweetly  low 

Lures  thee  to  Napland  where  babies  must  go. 

Calm  little  captive !  thy  sorcerous  guest 

Crowns  thee  with  garland  of  sleep  for  thy  rest. 


Fagots  25 


COMPANIONED 

Congenial  guests, 
Improving  zests; 
Fond  quests. 
A  moonlight  view, 
Old  whisperings  new- 
Just  two! 

The  leisure  dream, 
The  fish-line's  gleam, 
By  stream; 
A  travel-day, 

Fresh  smell  tf  hay; 
At  play. 

Now  grate-fire's  snap ; 
Now  child   in  lap 
For  nap; 
Or  cosy  nook 
Of  comrade  look. 
And  book. 

Piano  keys, 

An  hour  of  case 
To  please; 
From  people  free, 
A  cup  of  tea 
With  me. 


26  Fagots 

THOUGHTS 

Our  thoughts  are  angels  good  or  bad 

That  bid  for  our  control; 
We  open  wide  to  them  the  doors 

Of  mind  and  heart  and  soul, 
Accept  the  proffered  hoard  they  bring 

Perchance  of  wealth  or  dole, 
That  makes  our  lives  well  worth  the  while, 

Or  wanting,  as  a  whole; 
That  even  may  misguide  our  feet 

To  alien  paths,  or  goal. 
Our  thoughts  are  angels  good  or  bad, 

To  which  our  years  pay  toll. 

DAY   DREAMS 

The  castles  that  we  build  in  sunny  Spain — 
Esteem  them,  shall  we,  idle  dreams  and  vain. 

If  be  they  brighten  by  a  roseate  touch 
Our  sombre  stretch  of  toil,  our  daily  stress? 
If,   leisure  moments  visionary  bless 

That  else  were  dull,  or  burdened  evermuch? 

Fair  fancies,  thus  a  stimulus  to  hope. 

May  mitigate  the  odds  with  which  we  cope 

In  meeting  stern  realities  and  strife ; 
A  respite  from  the  sordid  cares  that  play 
Their  commonplace  refrain  from  day  to  day, 

May  tune  the  mind  to  more  melodious  life. 


Fagots  27 


THE  FUTURE 

I  love  to  imagine  the  world  holds  a  time 

When  I  shall  attain  to  the  grace 
Of  every  ideal  that  should  become  real 

To  one  of  a  privileged  race; 
I  love  to  believe  it  will  bring  me  the  day 

When  all  of  my  duty-work  planned 
Accomplished  will  be,  and  I,  at  last,  free 

To  follow  the  choice  of  my  hand ! 

THE  AVOWAL 

Heart  of  my  heart,  awake! 
Hark  to  the  plea  I  make 
To  win  thine  ear,  O  thou  most  dear. 

Soul  of  my  soul,  rejoice! 
Heed  the  impassioned  voice 
Of  calling  love,  all  else  above. 

Life  of  my  life,  reply ; 
Pledge  me  but  lip  and  eye — 
Thy  look,  thy  kiss  shall  be  my  bliss. 

Love  of  my  love,  O  sweet, 
Now  is  my  life  complete ; 
My  heart,  my  «oul,  arc  thine  in  whole. 


28  Fagots 

LOVE'S  CAMEO 

As  clearly  cut  and  purely  white 
As  ever  gem  that  hails  the  light : 

The   carved   features,   sweet,   refined, 
Reflecting  thoughts  unselfish,  kind; 

The  character  expressed  in  face 
Denoting  traits  of  force  and  grace, 

With  spirit  limned  in  has  relief 
As  one  attuned  to  joy  and  grief. 

Whose  symmetry  of  mold  and  line 
Portrays  the  touch  of  Hand  divine; 

Whose  charm  and  worth  grow  never  less 
As  years  advance,  as  rivals  press. 

A  cameo  doth  love  behold 

That  hath  for  setting,  deeds  of  gold ; 

Whose  image  on  my  heart  I  wear, — 
It  pins  my  faith  to  fabric  fair; 

It  helps  me  see  in  human  lives 
Adorn  which  change  and  loss  survives; 


Fagots  29 

PERSONALITY 

Bribe  nor  brawn  can  buy  it, 
Brain  may  not  defy  it, — 

Permanent  its  sway ; 
Friend  may  not  supply  it, 
Foe  may  not  deny  it 

Royal  right-of-way. 

'Tis  beyond  the  taking — 
'Tis  of  life's  own  making. 

Always,  only,  ours; 
Forceful  past  our  rating, 
Past  our  thought's  forsaking. 

Greatest  of  our  powers. 

MY  SKY 

I  sang  me  of  love  at  the  gloaming, 
Of  love  that  would  never  grow  old ; 

Of  love  that  by  loving  increaseth. 
Of  love  that  can  never  be  told. 

I  sang  me  of  love  at  the  dawning, — 
And  the  day  was  a  shimmer  of  gold. 


30  Fagots 

THEIR  WORLD 

"The  world  is  wide,  and  you,  my  bride, 
Have  all  that  world  for  me  impearled, — 
And  worlds  on  worlds  in  fair  expense 
Are  lit  for  me  by  your  bright  glance." 

"The  world  is  small — you  are  its  all 
For  me,"  she  cried,  this  joyous  bride, — 
"And  nothing  in  it  matters  much 
That  hints  not  of  your  voice  or  touch!" 

IN  LOVE'S  DOMAIN 

There  lies  no  limit  north  or  south, 
No  boundary  cast  or  west. 
In  travel  of  the  thought  to  reach 
The  loved  one  loved  the  best ; 
There  is  no  language  may  not  voic« 
The  heart's  impassioned  speech, 
Nor  erudition  in  its  school 
But  love  to  love  can  teach. 


Fagots  31 

INSIGHT 

We  never  spoke  of  love,  dear  one, 

As  lovers  love  to  do, 
And  3^et  I  knew  you  knew  my  heart 

Throbbed  quickest  but  for  you. 

We  never  said  the  many  things 

That  lovers  love  to  say, 
But  well  you  knew  I  knew  the  part 

And  loved  you  love's  own  Avay. 

THE  TRIAD 

A  dear  little  ditty  I  send  thee 

Of  only  a  triad  of  words. 
But  listen  the  while  that  I  tell  thee 

It's  sung  by  the  rapturous  birds ; 
'Tis  breathed   by   the   deep-blushing  roses, 

That  nestle  so  close  to  thy  breast, 
And  whispered  by  wooing  breezes 

Caressing  thy  face  as  their  quest ; 
'Tis  voiced  by  the  musical  waters 

That  fare  to  the  amorous  sea, 
As  surely  and  sweetly  and  simply 

As  now  its  confession  from  me: — 

"I  love  thee, — I  love  thee." 

A  dear  little  ditty  I  send  thee, 

That's  sung  by  the  rapturous  birds; 

And  all  that  I  ask  is  thy  answer 
Shall  bring  me  its  triad  of  words! 


32  Fagots 

LAW  AND  LOVE 

Both  hailed  from  court  above, 
And  each  to  each  made  bow. 

Said   Law   to  Love: — 
I  greater  am  than  thou, 
I  may  thy  very  oracles  defy! 

Love  gave  reply: — 
I  am  a  law  unto  myself ; 
1  am  a  freakish  little  elf, 
As  old  as  thou  but  not  so  cold, 
Nor  yet  as  vain  in  point  of  brain; 
I   rule  with  tender  force,  with  soft-gloved  hand; 
Thy  grip  of  rigor  sterner  makes  command, — 
A  power  I  neither  envy  nor  resent. 
The  world  hath  need  of  me  as  needs  it  thee; 
I  hold  its  heart  and  am  content. 

DESTINATION 

The  serving  rivers  seek  the  glorious  sea ; 

Where  head  your  currents  flowing  strong  and  free? 


Fagots  33 


INFLUENCE 

Heard  you  never  voice  of  pebble 

As  it  sang  amid  the  stream 
Where  its  circles  ever  widened, 

Ever  distanced   in  their  gleam: — 
"Watch  the  wavelets  spreading  onward, 

See  effects  I  can  produce ; 
Plunge  ahead  into  the  current, 

Every  effort  is  of  use!" 

Heard  50U  never  voice  of  nature 

Sing  in  accents  clear  and  true, — 
"There  is  nothing  lost  nor  fruitless, 

All   is  vital   that   I   do; 
What  may  seem  to  fail  and  perish 

Shall  survive  to  serve  its  end; 
Never  act  of  high  endeavor 

But  the  heaven's  will  befriend." 

"Should  the  faithful  be  discouraged?" 

Hear  the  harvest  fields  inquire. 
"Though  unseen  the  promised  reaping 

Though   delayed   the   heart's  desire?" 
You  are  weeping!  Oh,  I  fear  me 

You  have  dared  some  evil  deed, — 
For  there's  sorrow  comes  from  sowing 

\{  you   plant   unrighteous  seed. 


34  Fagots 

OUGHT 

A  stern,  unyielding  word,  dogmatic,  dread? 
Not  always: — sweet  reminder  it  may  shed 
Of  wisdom's  course,  of  undeveloped  goodj 
Of  timely  call  to  haler  hardihood. 

Behind  it  heaven  presses  her  kind  law; 
Within  it,  places  visions  clear  of  flaw; 
Beneath  it  lo!  temptations  lose  in  power; 
Above  it,  fragrant  ends  and  meanings  flower. 

Poetic  nor  esthetic  in  its  mold, 

But  yet  in  ethic  spirit,  purest  gold, — 

Or  whether  as  a  spur  or  as  a  stay, 

It  mirrors  duty ;  marks  the  turn  of  way. 


Fagots  35 

WHY  NOT  I? 

The  teakettle  sings,  tho'  accorded  no  beauty 

Except  that  it  meets  its  monotonous  duty 

In  just  the  right  way; 

Why  not  I? 

A  narrow,  unpropheting  sphere,  do  you  say? 

Prithee,  why? 

Fideh'ty,  Service, —  to  these  a  large  place 

Eternity  gives  in  her  plan  and  her  space ; 

To  do  what  the  task  with  a  song  of  good  grace, 

Ennobles  the  day. 

The  teakettle  joys  in  its  work,  why  not  I  ? 

OVER  US 

Each  dawn,  behold  the  pilot  sun 

To  voyage  day; 
In    life's    recurrent    round    and   run 

God  guides  the  way. 
At  night,  star-sentinels  illume 

The  sunless  sky ; 
His  angels  light  our  even-gloom, 

Nor  sleeps  His  eye. 


36  Fagots 


A  CHALLENGE 

Th^  hill  acclaimed  to  valley, — 
"I   farther  s^c  than  you; 
I  boast  a  broader  vision, 
Less  circumscribed,  more  true." 

The  valley  ventured  protest, — • 
"My  view  less  wide,  less  far? 
But  looking  up  the  higher, 
I  scan  where  heavens  are." 

The  sky  observed  serenely 
To  hill   and  vale  below, — 
"You   both   can   glimpse   how   little 
Of  vast  survey  I  know!" 

VEILED 

Though  the  sky  be  overcast, 

And  duskcn  the  night, 
Nor  the  sun  nor  the  stars 

Are  any  less  bright 
Where    they    shine,    for    the    while. 

Quite  hid  from  our  sight. 


Fagots  37 

BIRTHDAY  ANNIVERSARY 

The  candles  are  too  many,  now^  to  count. 
And  yet,  I  beg  you,  blow  not  any  out. 

Another  milestone  reached! 

Shorter  lies  the  road  beyond; 

Nearer  looms  the  destination  toward  which 

The  years  of  life  determinately  move; 

'Tis  well. 

The  past  recedes; 

The  present  pauses  scarcely  to  take  breath ; 

The  future,  lighted  by  its  star  of  hope, 

More  clearly  beckons  toward  the  final  goal. 

Forward,  dowered  soul ! 

Press  onward  unafraid,  without  demur, — 

As  heir  of  promise,  gladly  hastening  on 

To   claim   the   fair  estate  that  yonder  waits. 

FAULT 

Thou   ne'er  didst  err — is  that  thy  tale? 
Nor  wrong  thy  soul,  nor  ever  fail? 
Belike,  then,  thou  dost  witless  sin 
By  pride  of  purity  within! 


38  Fagots 

THE  LONGTIME  AGO 

"Is  it  following  memory's  trail  leading  low 

Into  the  past  of  your  child-sheltered  years, 

That  you  speak  with  a  sigh  of  the  longtime  ago?" 

"No,   dear,  no." 

"Is  it  treading  again  in  the  cypress-lined  lane — 

Where  your  farewell  doomed  a  sweetheart  to  tears, 

That  you  utter  the  phrase  with  an  echo  of  pain?" 

"No,  love,  no; 

It's  the  halcyon  days  when  my  trust  was  so  strong 

Life  brought  no  burdens  of  doubts  or  of  fears; 

When  all  ills  had  a  cure,  and  all  sorrows  a  song, 

Long  ago!" 

WITHIN 

There  dwells  a  self  within  myself 

That  strives  to  better  be ; 
Beyond   the  thoughts  my  pen   can   frame 

Are  thoughts  I  yearn  to  free; 
There  beats  a  heart  within  my  heart 

That  loves  the  purest  things; 
There  breathes  a  soul  within  my  soul 

Where  voice  of  angel  sings. 


Fagots  39 

SINGS  THE  RAIN 

The  gentle  pitter-patter  splash  of  rain 

In  rythmic  monologue  against  the  pane; 

Its  metric  beat  upon  the  roof  and  leaves, 

Its  music-making  run  along  the  eaves; 

The  riant  choral  of  its  crystal  pour, 

Its  drip  and  drop  antiphony  of  score; 

Its  chant  that  boon  to  things  a-thirst  declares, 

The  lulling  note  its  liquid  cadence  bears; 

Or,  chance  the  minor  key  its  tone  express 

When  wayward  winds  its  path  unwelcome  press, — 

Each  runic  mood  imparts  a  lyric  strain 

To  voicings  of  its  greeting  and  refrain, 

And,  unto  ear  attuned,  assurance  brings 

That  rain  which  warns  and  glads  the  verdure,  sings ! 

JOY-^TIME 

Daffodil,  daffodil, 
Laugh  if  you  will; 
Now  is  the  Spring-song, 
Joy's  at  its  fill ! 


40  Fagots 

A  ROUNDEL 

We  cannot  tell  how  lilies  grow — 
The  snowy  lilies  loved  so  well; 
From  blackest  soil  why  white  they  show, 
We  cannot  tell : 

Although  where  Christ  did  perfect  dwell 
And  argent  lilies  were  a-blow, 
We  wonder  not  so  pure  each  bell ; 

Nor  that  their  stainless  blooms  bestow 

Such  fragrance  all  their  florent  spell, 
But  whither  may  their  incense  go 
We  cannot  tell. 

LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY 

Fm  the  lily-of-the-valley, 
And  I  sing  a  valley  song: — 

I  do  not  need  the  sunshine 

To  keep  me  sweet  and  strong, 

Nor   depend    on    care    and    coaxing. 
Every  year  to  blossom  long. 


Fagots  41 

BEHOLD 

Behold  the  rose  beside  the  thorn, 

With    fear    nor   care    it   threatens   there, 
But  looks  to  its  protection  share; 
Each  velvet  folcj  of  whose  adorn 
A  perfume  wafts  that  mate   forlorn. 

Behold  the  honeysuckle  flower: — 

It  opens  up  its  golden  cup 

The  dew  to  sip;  for  bee  to  sup; 
And  lifts  alike  to  sun  and  shower 
A  friendly  front  to  claim  its  dower. 

Behold  the  odored  violet, 

Which  holds  its  place  with  lowly  grace — 

Although  of  royal-purpled  race— 
Which  by  its  modest  sweetness,  yet 
Makes  all  around,  its  pride  forget. 

Behold  the  sunflower — what  its  ways, 
How  high  it  grows,  how  hale  it  glows; 
The  orb  of  day  its  habit  knows: 

Discerns  its  life  his  lead  obeys, 

Observes  its  face  reflects  his  rays. 

Behold  the  lily  of  the  field, — 
Its  fine  array,  its  envied  away. 
Which  toils  nor  spins  to  seek  display, 

Yet  Solomon  no  power  could  wield 

To  match  the  glory  it  revealed. 


42  Fagots 

Behold  the  early  blooms  of  spring: — 

So  brave  their  gleam,  so  glad  they  seem 
To  brighten  meadow,  woods,  and  stream, 
In  sweet  refrain  their  muses  sing, 
"A  smile  awaits  each  cheering  thing." 

BEYOND  WORDS 

Dear,  my  own,  if  I  could  I  tell  thee 

All  thou  art  to  me, 
Thou  wouldst  rank  with  loves  the  lesser 

Than    I    reckon    thee. 

Words  the  best  can  not  suffice  me — 

What  their  tender  tone; 
By  that  lack,  my  heart  confesseth 

Kept   for   thee   its   throne. 

SUNDERED 

She  held  the  rose  I'd  given  her 
With  monment's  look  of  cold  disdain : 
While  I  forgave  the  passing  pain 
That  she  ignored  its  fragrant  heart, 
For  this  I've  never  shriven  her, — 
Its  petals,  then,  she  tore  apart; 
Her  penitence  must  plead  in  vain, 
No  power  can  put  them  back  again! 


Fagots  43 

THE  GLORY  OF  THE  ROSE 

O  rose  in  the  weight  of  thy  beauty 
Bending   fond   glances   to   greet — 

Far  brighter  is  earth  for  thy  blessing, 
Sweeter  is  life  for  thy  sweet. 

*Tis  true  over-brief  seems  thy  lasting, 

Still,  but  the  transient  while, 
Again  in  thy  splendor  appearing, 

Breaks  now  the  world  into  smile. 

We  welcome  thy  bloom  and  thy  fragrance — 

Lavish  in  service  of  cheer — 
And  see  in  thy  blossom's  unfolding 

Glory  revealed  to  us  here. 

YOU 

Roses,  love,  the  moonlight's  call, — 

Yet  you  never  came. 
Rue  for  me,  and  midnight's  pall, — 

Roses  not  the  same! 


44  Fagots 

JUNE 

O,  ardent  month  of  roses, 
P'air  fields  and  flaunting  posies 

And  vivid  overhue — 
The  birds,  how  glad  they  greet  thet, 
How  grasses  smile  to  meet  thee, 

Which  grace  the  verdant  view! 

As  wake  of  dawn  discloses 
Thy  leafage,  sward,  and  roses 

Begemmed  with  sparkling  dew — 
Thy  balmy  breezes  wing  us, 
And  perfumed  blossoms  bring  us 

What  praise  of  thee  anew! 

Now  eye  of  day  reposes 
Upon  thy  reigning  roses 

And  brightly  gives  them  gaze; 
While  over  mead  and  river 
The  sunbeams   break   aquiver 

Through  filmy  veil  of  haze. 

Thy  tender  touches  thrill  us; 
Unstinted  blessings  fill  us 

With  sense  of  good  untold ; — 
Thy  morn,  mid-day,  and  evening. 
In  turn,  some  boon  receiving 

To  band  thy  hours  with  gold. 


Fagots  45 

Thy  fragrant  breath  and  fairness, 
Invite  the  cold  and  careless 

To  share  thy  charm  and  cheer: — 
Full  strange  did  all  not  love  thee, 
And  count  no  month  above  thee 

Throughout  the  changing  year! 

QUERY 

Why  do  I  prize  it  so, 

Why  do  I  keep  it  thus  near — 

This  jar  of  unsingular  mold? 

Ah,  but  its  hidings  hold 
Ashes  of  roses,  my  dear, 
Of  roses  the  rarest  that  grow! 

FORGET-ME-NOT 

A  floweret  tiny — Do  not  pass  me  by, 

See  how  my  vesture  vies  with  blue  of  sky; 

Because  so  tiny.  I  might  be  forgot 

But  for  my  pleading  name,  For-get-me-not. 

A  floweret  tiny,  I  so  oft  abide 

Where  weeds  and  marshes  my  ambitions  chide 

Without  the  proffer  of  my  valued  sweet 

The  world  more  seldom  might  my  name  repeat! 


46  Fagots 


A  CONCEIT 

The    leaves   assembled,    great   and   small, 
To  hold  their  annual  festive  ball 
Before  the  chilling  snows  should  fall. 

They  all  were  gorgeous  as  you  please. 
And  danced  to  pipe  of  merry  breeze, 
Well  chaperoned  by  parent  trees. 

But  afterward,  the  gossips  say, 
Each  hied  to  bed  for  lengthy  stay — 
So  wilted,  so  tired  out  were  they. 

AUTUMN 

The  roar  of  wind  like  surge  of  heavy  seas, 

A  sighing  tone,  a  rustle  in  the  trees; 

A  glimpse  of  nature's  mellow  charm  and  glow 

Amid  the  ruddy  colors  frosts  bestow; 

The  sight  of  waving  grain,  of  garnered  shelves; 

A  shower  of  red  and  golden  russet  leaves 

That  flutter,  chase,  or  stray  as  breezes  bid; 

A  haze  that  hints  of  splendors  partly  hid. 

Now  touch  of  Indian  Summer's  gracious  sway, 
Now  witchery  of  early  snow's  display; 
Ingathered  fruits  of  husbandry  and  care; 
A  crisply  chill,  invigorating  air; 
The  time  of  fagot  fires,  of  harvest  moon, 
With  scenes  familiar  as  the  rose  of  June. 
A  season  that  earth's  gratitude  must  praise 
For  countless  benefits  and  regal  days. 


Fagots  47 

A   LESSON    LILT 

Through  rain  unspent  and  chill, 
Through  wind  uncalmed  and  shrill, 
Attend,  my  soul,  to  robin's  dauntless  trill 
That  saith,   on   branch   a-swing: — 
"Cling  on,  still  cling  and  cling!" 

The  day  hath  veiled  her  face. 
The  dark  draws  on  apace. 
Respond,  my  soul,  to  jubilance  of  grace 
The  nightingale  doth  bring: — 
"Sing  on,  yet  sing  and  sing!" 

The  summer-tide  hath  flown, 
The  autumn,  sterner  grown ; 
Awake,  my  soul  now  birds  of  passage  own 
The  time  is  come  to  sing: — 
"Wing  on,  just  wing  and  wing!" 

Ah !  denizens  of  th'  air, 
Or  frowning  skies,  or  fair. 
This  roundelay  my  listening  soul  ye  bear: — 
"Hold  on,  look  up,  take  wing. 
And  heaven  will  help  thee  sing!" 


48  Fagots 


TIME'S  ADVANCE 

The  autumn  air,  how  clear! 

Away,  then  fear! 
The  y^ar  but  nears  its  goal, 

As  doth  the  soul. 

When  fall  and  fade  the  leaves, 

Lo,   golden   sheaves 
The  splendid  tribute  bring 

That  harvests  sing. 

Lament  not,  nor  despair 

When  youth  so  fair 
To  ripened  age  gives  place: — 

Its  glory  face: 

For  there  is  beauty  still, 
Look  where  you  will, — 

Though  morn  and  noon  be  past 
And  day  wanes  fast. 

So  holds  life's  sunset  tint 

No  color  stint; 
It  would  the  glowing  West 

Were  loved  the  best. 


Fagots  49 

FAGOTS 

From  out  the  crackling  blaze  a  hearth-fay  came, 
And  spake  to  dreamer  musing  near  the  flame: — 
"Though  seems  this  of  itself  to  burn,  'tis  clear 
Its  start  and   feeding  drew  on  fuel  here; 
To  light  and  keep  aglow  within  the  heart 
The  alter-fires  that  kindle  love  and  cheer, 
Contribute  service-fagots  as  thy  part." 

Then  woodland   fairy  bade  the  fagots  sing: — 
"Refuse  not  smallest  offerings  to  bring; 
Despise  not,  mighty  oak,  thy  twigs  to  share, 
Nor  sapling,  spurn  thy  branchlets  thus  to  spare, 
For  we  together  number  large,  and  gain — 
By  use  that  calls  for  little  care — 
An  end  we  might  not  each  alone  attain." 


50  Fagots 

THE  INGLE 

"Sit  thee  by  the  ingle,  when 

The   sear  fagot    blazes   bright." — Keats. 

I  went  on  a  happy  adventure, 

Ensconsed  in  a  wonderful  book; 

I   travelled  the  world  almost  over 
Without  ever  leaving  my  nook. 

I  revelled  in  scenes  most  romantic, 

My  heart  rode  the  sea's  highest  crest — 

With  never  an  ocean-wave  sighted 
Yet  many  a  port  for  my  quest. 

In  company  novel  and  famous 
I  journeyed  the  weariless  while, 

Returning  refreshed  from  that  voyage, 
Inspired  by.  its  thrilling  beguile. 

I  thought  of  the  marvelous  places 

Attained  without  peril  or  slip, 
And  gratefully  blessed  the  bright  fagots 

That  led  to  my  taking  the  trip! 


Fagots  51 

SNOW-FLAKES 

Welcome  awaiteth  you,  wingers  of  snow, 
Lighting  now  hither,  now  yonder  a-whirl, 
Decking  gray  nature  with  ermine  and  pearl, — 
Scattering  brightness  wherever  ye  go! 

Silently,  softly  yet  fleetly  ye  file, — 
Stellular  flakes  of  a  comrade  intent. 
Leaguing  the  fairest  scenes  to  present, 
Merging  in  might  as  ye  gather  the  while. 

Graciously  wending  from  region  above, 
Over  uncomliness  spreading  thy  sheen, — 
Seem  ye  like  spirit-evangels  that  screen 
Human  defects  with  the  mantle  of  love. 

Greeted  with  zest  where  your  myraids  show. 
Guests  at  a  season  when  aspect  were  drear 
Save  for  your  coming  and  but  for  your  cheer, — 
All  of  us  welcome  you,  wingers  of  snow! 


52  Fagots 

WINTER  FAIRIES 

Fresh  from  native  sky-haunt, 

Speeding  gently  down, 
Come  the  fairy  snow-flakes 

Each  in  fleecy  gown. 

Witching  trains  attend  them 

Whither  they  alight, 
Making  all  about  them 

Change  to  lustrous  white. 

How  they  smile  and  glisten 

Where  at  rest  they  cleave ! 
At  the  sun-god's  calling, 

Take  they  tearful  leave. 

PROVIDENCE 

"For  He  saith  to  the  snow,  Be  thou  on  the  earth.' 

The  seasons  He  hath  planned 
To  serve  our  weal;   His  will; 
My  times  are  in  His  Hand 
His  purpose  to  fulfill. 


Fagots  53 

THE  EVER  PRESENCE 

The  darkness  boasts  His  Vigil, 

Behind  the  cloud,  His  light; 
The  shower  reveals  His  rainbow, 

The  storm  proclaims  His  might; 
The  "angel  of  His  presence" 

Consoles  the  bed  of  pain. 
And  sorrow  chants  its  morrow 

Of  kindly  purposed  gain. 

The  heavens  declare   His  glory, 

The  planets  own  His  sway; 
The  seedtime,  soil  and  harvest 

His  changless  laws  obey; 
He  rules  the  tides  of  ocean. 

The  thunders  voice  His  will. 
And  winds  and  waves  defiant. 

Must  heed  His  "Peace,  be  still." 

The     sparrow     claims     His     watch -care, 

The  healing  herb,  His  thought; 
His  love  attends  each   heart-cry 

What  help  or  solace  sought; 
The  grave  reflects  His  radiance, 

And  mercies  ever  new, 
Descend  like  silent  sunshine, 

Or  fall  of  gracious  dew  . 


54  Fagots 

OUR  SUFFICIENCY 

O  Son  of  man,  supreme  to  feel 
Our  human  call  and  needs, 
No  sorrow  but  thy  hand  may  heal, 
No  prayer  thine  ear  unheeds. 

O  Son  of  God,  so  rich  in  grace. 
The  life,  the  truth,  the  way. 
Thou  ruler  over  time  and  space 
Our  stronghold  art  and  stay. 

Compassionate  beyond  compare. 
Whose  word  is  law's  decree — 
We  seek  thy  keeping,  guiding  care, 
O  Christ  of  Galilee. 

WITH  THE  YEARS 

A  coronal  of  blessing  pearl  thy  brow. 

Each  pearl  a  memory  of  lustrous  worth, — 

The  gift  of  grateful  years  that  here  and  now 
Acknowledge  royal  favors  through  thy  birth. 


Fagots  55 

LOSS 

'7  sleep,  but  my   heart  waketh," 

Sorely  was  I  bereaved : 
A  spirit  rare, 
A  comrade  sad  to  spare 
Was  she  for  whom  I  grieved, — 
A   faithful,   helpful   friend 
Inspiring  to  the  end ; 
But  memories  of  her  set  my  soul  a-thrill, 
And  her  sweet  influence  surrounds  me  still. 

Later  was  I  bereft: 
By  some  strange  fate 
A  childhood  mate 
And  intimate  of  many  after  years, 
That  friendship  left. 

No  tone  nor  touch  of  hate 
Estranged  our  lives,  yet  is  there  call  for  tears 
No  halo  her  remembered  name  endears! 

SOLACE 

The  hours  of  my  day  can  be  lonely  and  long 

However  well  filled  they  may  be ; 
But,   lo!    in   the   night-time   my   solace   and   song, 

Since  dreams  then  return  thee  to  me. 


56  Fagots 

EASTER  SONNET 

When  Easter  morn  its  pristine  radiance   shed 

And  waiting  hearts,  cast  down  with  fearsome  grief, 

Beheld  the  tomb  effulgent  past  belief; 

When  angel  guard  the  joyant  sureness  spread 

That  Christ  bemourned  was  risen  from  the  dead, — 

Ah,  then  what  infinite,  supreme  relief 

Came  flooding  in  to  dissipate  the  brief, 

Despotic  sorrow  Calvary  had  bred ! 

No  other  day  that  smiled  on  any  year 
So  wondrous  spake  within  its  lease  of  time; 
Such  token  gave  that  heaven's  brighter  sphere. 
In  touch  with  earth  can  make  its  toll  sublime; 
Nor  peals  from  any  belfry  sweeter  cheer 
Than  Easter  bells  in  message  clearly  chime. 


Fagots  57 

AFTER  CALVARY— VICTORY 

So  vast  the  Golgothas  of  war  have  grown, 
Its  Calvaries  so  smite  the  anguished  sense, 
We  need   that  gospels  clear,   assuaging  tone— - 
That   vital   promise   of   high   recompense— 
Which   Easter  daybreak  gave  in  triumph  cry: 
After  Calvar}^ — victory! 

In  wake  of  edict  that  surprised  the  world, 
Though  ghastly  tragedies  and  fates  extreme 
Their  awful  weight  on  savior-nations  hurled, 
These  held  the  holier  cause  of  man  supreme ; 
Although  grim  might  the  right  may  crucify- 
After  Calvar>' — victory. 

By  test  a-face  the  dread  despotic  cross, 
By  cruel   thorn  and   nail   thrusts  borne   to-day, — 
Not  thus  a  righteous  conflict  suffers  loss; 
Nay,   though    a   darkened    sun   lend    brief   dismay, 
The  paean  of  redemption  cannot  die, — 
After  Calvary — victory ! 


58  Fagots 

THE  SUDDEN   STORM 

There  loomed  a  fleet  in  the  over  blue, — 

A  series  of  clouds  sailing  by — 
Each  pennant  rimmed  with  a  silver  hue 

Reflecting  the  smile  of  the  sky. 
How  stately,  how  unperturbed  their  run, 

As,  cresting  the  billows  of  light. 
These  liners  bore  not  a  single  gun 

Nor  cannon  to  waken  affright. 

An  ominous  cloud -crew  hailed  their  path, 

Enshrouding   these  vessels   in   smoke; 
The  placid  blue  were  a  look  of  wrath 

When  thunder's  artillery  spoke: 
A  flash !  a  volley !  a  bolt ;  a  crash ! 

The  fleet  so  defenseless  went  down. 
/'Alas!  alas!",  moaned  the  rain,  "how  rash 

To  take  no  precautions, — and  drown-!" 


Fagots  59 

PRIDE 

A  tyrant  prisoner  of  war 

I  took  with  my  degree, 
(Obtained  by  fight  with  circumstance), 

At  victory's  decree.  , 

This  alien  captive  that  I  kept 

Within  my  brainiest  cell, 
Evoked  more  liberal  care  from  me 

Than  modesty  may  tell ; 
And    when,    at    last,    this    same    intern 

Stern  judgment  bade  me  free — 
That  cherished  tyrant,  now  I  found, 

Had  turned  the  key  on  me! 

CAMOUFLAGE 

To  win,  perchance,  a  passing  fame 

From  but  a  certain  few, 
I  dipped  in  classic  lore  a  bit. 

And  learned  a  myth  or  two; 
I  quoted  lines  from  Attic  bards 

Of  whom  they  little  knew. 

And  when  the  scheme  successful  seemed, 

Should  any  present  pry 
Beyond  my  ken  and  question  me, 

I  simply  made  reply: 
*T11  not  attempt  to  answer  give — 

You  know  as  well  as  I," 


6o  Fagots 

THE  HONOR  CALL 

As  belfry  bells  kept  calling 
To  worship's  prayer  and  song, 

I  saw  the  number  kneeling,* 
I  heard  them  hymn, — Be  strong. 

When  rang  the  bell  of  freedom 
The  call  our  country  gave, 

In  bidding  to  the  colors 
I  heard  it  peal, — Be  brave. 

At  last,  alone  with  conscience, 
That  "still,  small  voice"  I  knew, 

With  kind  but  grave  insistence 
To  honor  called, — Be  true. 


Fagots  6i 

IMMORTALIZED 

The  wreath  immortal  wears  a  wondrous  guise, 
And  rarely  ranks  as  such  one  should  disdain; 
"Imperishable  name!"  ambition  cries, 
"That  were  a  boon  most  worth  the  while  to  gain." 
But  Pilate's  name  is  linked  where  Christ's  is  known, 
And  Nero's,  lives  with  tale  of  burning  Rome, 
Some  Cain  or  Judas,  too,  hath  history  shown 
Since  peopled  earth  beheld  its  azured  dome. 
The  world  may  crown  with  laurel  well  and  right, 
Remains  unmatched  that  storied  place  and  fame 
Which  alabaster  box  and  widow's  mite, 
Throughout  all  time,  above,  below,  can  claim. 

The  nations, — let  them  memory's  tribute  pay, 
And  keep  alive  illustrious  names  they  boast; 
Let  Christendom  recount  and  own  the  sway 
Of  heroes  who  have  lighted  far  her  coast, — 
There  still  may  be  a  glory  here  unwon 
Which  earth's  unhonorcd  worthies  yet  may  win — 
The  crown  immortal,  with  the  laud :  Well  done, 
Thou  good  and  faithful  servant,  enter  in. 


62  Fagots 

THE  MASTER  POET'S  PEN 

Where  wrought,  or  how,  the  golden  pen 
That  writ  thy  perfect  verse, — 
Enduring,   vivid,   rich   in   thought 
While  5'et  unforced  and  terse? 

Wherein  doth  he  its  magic  power? 
The  humbler  bards  would  know ; 
Seems  charmed  its  every  trick  and  word 
To  set  thy  page  aglow ! 

So  smoothly,  simply  run  its  lines 
In  strong,  in  fine  appeal. 
Is  caught  no  sound  of  pen  at  all 
Although  its  art  we  feel. 

It  is  a  gift — that  master  pen — 
Which  hand  of  genius  guides; 
It  cannot  borrowed  be,  nor  earned 
Except  where  skill  presides. 

ASPIRATION 

I  wish  I  could  with  eloquence 

Indite  my  song 
Supply  it  worth  and  melody 

To  linger  long. 
In  this,  at  least,  I  may  succeed 

Without  dissent, — 
To  key  it  to  the  harmony 

Of  high  intent. 


Fagots  63 

THE  STARS  AND  STRIPES 

To  mine  eyes  the  most  beautiful  banner 

Unfurled  on  the  land  or  the  sea, 
Is  the  tri-colored  flag  of  my  country — 

The  home  of  the  brave  and  the  free. 
Ah  its  fairness,  with  folds  all  unsullied 

By  tyrannous  conquest  or  spoil, 
Whose  Colonial  stripes  cry  devotion 

To  Liberty's  sonship  and  soil ; 
While  its  patron-states,  proudly  united 

In  star-studded  setting  of  blue, 
Bid  it  challenge  the  cause  of  injustice 

And  champion  that  which  is  true. 
As  the  hearts'  bleeding  dye  of  its  loyals 

Is  fadelessly  stamped  on  its  float, 
So  its  pearly  white  stream_ers  betoken 

The  pureness  it  aims  to  prom-ote. 
Best  belov'd  among  National  ensigns 

To  those  who  its  standards  uphold, 
May  the  heavenly  stars  in   their  courses 

Help  fight  where  its  signals  unfold. 


64  Fagots 

CO-OPERATION 

Not  merely  the  soldiers  and  sailors, 
Not  only  the  leaders  of  men, 

Are  serving  the  hour  in  struggle 
To  drive  the  dread  Hun  to  his  den. 

But  women,  wide-organized  masses, 

The  poor  and  the  millionaire  classes, 
The  patriotic  needle  and  pen. 


TRIOLET 

How  lightly  lie  those  embers  white 
Serenely  marred  in  calm  repose; 
But  lately  shed  by  fagots  bright — 

How  lightly  lie  those  embers  white ; 
As  soft  and  silent  as  the  night 
Whose  moon  her  palest  crescent  shows, 

How  lightly  lie  those  embers  white 
Serenely  massed  in  calm  repose. 


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